Another Refrigerator Water Filter Failure

In yet another example of a defective product, we have encountered another water filter that has failed and caused damage to a residence.  The appliance involved was a Samsung refrigerator, model # RS2556SH.  This refrigerator uses a water filter that is mounted inside the refrigerator, in the upper right hand corner of the cabinet and is shown below.  The refrigerator is also equipped with an electronic panel that, among other things, tells the user when to replace the filter.  Although there is no way to tell when a filter will burst, it is prudent (and recommended) to replace the filter as soon as the filter light indicator tells the user that the filter life has expired.  Leaving the filter in place after the life has expired is risking a serious water leakage and damage situation.  As shown in the photograph below, the crack almost propagated around the entire circumference of the filter.  As it happened, the filter had been in use for approximately six months before the failure occurred.  It should be noted that the manufacturer recommends replacing the filter every six months.

Water filter cracked almost completely around

Looks Like Dometic Still has Problems!

Several years ago, Dometic, the company that manufactures absorption refrigerators for RV’s, had to recall some of it’s products as a result of a leak in the coolant circuit that could result in a fire.  Since that recall, Dometic  has had to expand that recall to an additional 745,574 refrigerators (see NHTSA campaign # 08E032000). According to NHTSA, the problem is still in the boiler tube which can crack. As a result, the coolant can leak and ignite. Apparently, fires are still occurring. Presently investigating fire in horse trailer equipped with a Dometic absorption refrigerator.

Corolla, Matrix and Vibe Recall

Toyota has recalled over one million 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles due to a defect in the engine control module. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the module can crack as a result of faulty manufacturing. If the module cracks, the engine might not start. If in operation, the driver might sense harsh shifting or the engine can stall resulting in a crash. The recalled vehicles are equipped with two-wheel drive and an 1ZZ-FE engine.  General Motors has also recalled approximately 200,000 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibes for the same defect. General Motors and Toyota created a joint venture to design and build the Vibe and as a result, used the same engine control module that was used in the Corolla and Matrix vehicles.  For additional information, please visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov and reference NHTSA campaign number 10V384000 or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall News

We have updated the News column of our website to bring you the most recent vehicle recalls on some well-known makes. First, Blue Bird, the makers of school buses, have recalled some of their vehicles as a result of a cruise control problem. Basically, the control may not disengage when the brakes are applied. In addition, Subaru is  recalling some of its Outback and Legacy vehicles due  to a lubrication problem. Apparently, a hole that was supposed to have been provided in their six speed manual transmissions was left out.  As a result, the gears are not being lubricated and there is a possibility that the gears will break. If this happens, the driver will possibly lose control due to the loss of power and crash. Furthermore, Nissan is also recalling some of its “Cube” cars.  Some of the 2009-2010 models leak more fuel than what is allowed when hit  from the rear. Dealers are supposed to have a special protection device to install free of charge. Lastly, Toyota is recalling 2000-2004 “Avalon” because of a crack that can develop in the steering lock bar. If left unattended, the crack will cause the bar to break and the steering wheel to lock. The driver could lose control of  the vehicle and crash. Toyota is also recalling 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 models because of a steering shaft snap ring that can disengage. If that happens, over time, the steering shaft can disconnect causing the driver to lose ccontrol and crash.  For more detailed information,  please visit our website at www.rjhill.com and under the “News” column click on “Recall News”.